AAI Responds to New Zealand Mosque Attacks

WASHINGTON, DC – The following is a statement from Arab American Institute Executive Director Maya Berry on the fatal mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in which at least 49 worshippers were killed in horrific acts of xenophobic, anti-Muslim violence:

We are called once more to condemn an unspeakable act of hatred. Today's atrocities in Christchurch are a devastating reminder of the burgeoning, unbridled threat of white supremacist and white nationalist violence.

Here in the United States, too little has been done to address this threat. Instead, some of our elected officials have capitalized on fear and division for political gain, fomenting hatred with corrosive rhetoric and discriminatory policies. We must do better, lest such devastating acts continue to unfold in American communities and abroad.

We mourn for the victims, their families and communities, and the people of New Zealand.

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Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities. For more information please visit aaiusa.org.